What's on Scala Radio this Christmas and New Year?
All of your favourite Scala shows plus specials from Sister Bliss, Luci Holland, and Charlie Higson
Last updated 13th Dec 2019
Much anticipation at Scala Towers what with the festive season nearly upon us.
In addition to playing a mix of familiar carols and unusual arrangements of Christmas music in the run-up to Christmas Day, we've also lined up some special programmes too.
You can listen to Scala Radio via Digital Radio, smart speaker, website or our app. We're also available on Sky channel 0216. Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates and helpful reminders. There's more information on our How to Listen page.
All of our programmes after available for catch-up seven days after broadcast.
Find out whats on when on our listings page.
Scala Christmas with Rick Wakeman
Sunday 15th December 1300 – 1500 (Repeated Tuesday 17th 1900-2100)
Rick hosts a festive show featuring Christmas favourites and his own performances at the piano.
Rick will also join Simon Mayo in the Scala studio on Monday 16th December to play listener requests live at the piano.
The Official Scala Singles Chart of the Year with Simon Mayo:
Saturday 21st December 1000 – 1300
Simon counts down the most streamed and downloaded classically inspired tracks from the past week every Saturday morning from 10 on Scala Radio.
On Saturday 21st December, he’s taking a look at the 20 most popular pieces of the year! Andrea Bocelli, Ludovico Einaudi, Alexis Ffrench and Hans Zimmer are set to make an appearance – but what will be number 1? Join Simon to find out!
Charlie Higson and Friends Christmas Special
Saturday 21st December 1800 – 2000 (Repeated on Boxing Day 1900-2100)
Fast Show star and Young James Bond author Charlie Higson presented a series of shows on Scala Radio over the Summer. He returns for a one-off seasonal special, accompanied by his friends composer David Arnold and fellow comedians Paul Whitehouse, Simon Day and Bob Mortimer, who talk about their most memorable Christmases and share their favourite festive music.
The Scala Christmas Kitchen with Nigel Barden
Sunday 22nd December 1300 – 1500 (Repeated on Christmas Eve 1900-2100)
Food and drink expert Nigel Barden presents a show devoted to seasonal food and music. If you’re in charge of the turkey, mince pies or mulled wine this year, make sure you join Nigel for the top Christmas culinary tips – and the best music to accompany your time in the kitchen!
The Scala Christmas Jukebox with Sam Hughes
Sunday 22nd December 1700-1800
Sam Hughes presents an hour of Christmas pop songs with a classical or choral twist. Prepare to sing and hum along to Wham’s Last Christmas, The Pogues’ Fairytale of New York and Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas is You as you might not have heard them before.
The Best of Faithless Presents Sister Bliss
Sunday 22nd December 1800–2000
Musician, DJ, composer and record producer Sister Bliss, one of the founding members of electronica group Faithless, presented a series of shows on Scala Radio back in September, and this show offers another chance to hear her eclectic musical selections, spanning classical to house.
Nordoff Robbins Carol Service
Sunday 22nd December 2000–2200 (Repeated on Christmas Day 1900-2100)
Scala Radio is delighted to team up with Nordoff Robbins, the UK’s largest independent music therapy charity, to record their Christmas carol service. Features readings from Simon Mayo and actor Andrew Scott, along with performances by Alfie Boe, Danielle de Niese and Alexis Ffrench.
Mark Kermode’s Best Movie Music of 2019
Saturday 28th December 1300-1500
The UK’s favourite film critic presents a special end of year show, looking back at 2019 in the world of cinema and counting down his favourite film scores from the past 12 months, including Joker by Hildur Gudnadottir, For Sama by Nainita Desai, Midsommar by the Haxan Cloak, Mary Queen of Scots by Max Richter and Monos by Mica Levi. Repeated on Monday 30th December 1900-2100.
The Console with Luci Holland: The Best Video Games Music of 2019
Saturday 28th December 1700-1800
The Console is the UK’s first weekly video game music show on national radio. In a special end of year show, composer and sound designer Luci Holland selects the best games scores of 2019, including Sea of Solitude by Guy Jackson, Call of Duty Modern Warfare by Sarah Schachner, Telling Lies by Nainita Desai, Erica by Austin Wintory and A Plague Tale by Olivier Deriviere. Repeated on Sunday 29th December, 2200-2300
Simon Mayo - Best of the Guests
Sunday 29th December 1300-1500
Simon Mayo presents a special end of year show looking back at some of the guests he’s welcomed into the Scala Radio studio since the station launched on March 4th. Features conversations with illustrator Charlie Mackesy, composer Anne Dudley and actor and comedian Lenny Henry. Repeated on Tuesday 31st December 1900-2100.
Alexis Ffrench: The Best of 2019
Sunday 29th December 1500-1700
Pianist, composer and producer Alexis Ffrench presents two hours of the finest classical and classically-inspired recordings of 2019. Featuring compositions from the likes of Richard Harvey, Devonte Hynes, AVA and Manu Delago along with recordings by Nelson Freire, violinist Mari Samuelsen and string quartet Brooklyn Rider, Alexis also picks some of his favourite film and TV recordings in what’s set to be a varied representation of the year in music! Repeated on Wednesday 1st January 1900-2100
New Year’s Eve Party with Jack Pepper and Jamie Crick
Tuesday 31st December / Wednesday 1st January 2100-0100
Step into 2020 with Scala Radio! Join Jack Pepper and Jamie Crick for a lively show packed full of upbeat music including showtunes from musicals, waltzes and instrumental re-workings of pop songs to get you in the mood for dancing!
In The Park: A New Year’s Day Special
Wednesday 1st January 0500-1000
Scala Radio eases you into the day with In The Park, a soothing selection of music and natural soundscapes every single morning between 5-7am. However, on New Year’s Day, we reckon you might be in need of more peace and quiet than usual, so we’ve extended the show into a 5-hour special. It’ll be just you, mellow music and atmospheric birdsong, allowing you to start 2020 in a calm frame of mind.
Saturday 4th January 1300-1500
The UK’s favourite film critic presents two hours of hand-picked movie music, looking ahead to 2020 in the world of cinema. Featuring music from highly-anticipated releases such as Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Parasite, The Lighthouse and The Personal History of David Copperfield, Mark also looks ahead to sequels, re-makes and re-boots including Top Gun: Maverick and Bill and Ted Face the Music. Repeated on Monday 5th January 1900-2100.
The Console with Luci Holland
Saturday 4th January 1700-1800
The Console is the UK’s first weekly video game music show on national radio. In the first show of 2020, composer and sound designer Luci Holland takes a look at the big games releases of the year including Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Hollow Knight: Silksong and Chicory: A Colourful Tale. Repeated on Sunday 5th January 2200-2300